Since 1964, Pop-Tarts have been more than a breakfast treat-they’re a retro staple, a foil-wrapped slice of Americana that’s powered rushed mornings and late-night indulgences. Kellanova, previously Kellogg’s, crafted a legacy through these toaster pastries, making them a pop culture legend. But with a dizzying array of flavors, which ones really get that perfect combination of crispy crust, gooey center, and heartwarming nostalgia? My squad of taste-testers, from rambunctious 4-year-old to weathered 75-year-old, accepted the challenge, sampling all the classic Pop-Tarts flavors. We toasted, smelled, crunched, and argued, critiquing flavor authenticity, texture, and that elusive “takes me back” factor. Below, our ranking of 14 flavors, from duds to delights, with some surprising twists. Let’s get going!
1. Frosted Banana Bread
Released in spring 2023, Frosted Banana Bread arrived with fanfare over its “nostalgic, comforting” combination of molasses, cinnamon, ginger, and banana powder. We imagined warm, homemade banana bread in a foil package. Instead, it had the flavor of fake banana candy think of those cloying Runts candies, not a freshly baked loaf. “It’s like a school cafeteria slice, all fake and no soul,” complained one taster. The spices attempted to bring depth, but the artificial banana flavor dominated all else. Even the speckled brown crust and creamy-looking interior couldn’t redeem it. Our tip? Pass this by and bake the real banana bread with a few chopped walnuts for that homey feel.
2. Apple Jacks Frosted Apple Cinnamon
In 2023, Pop-Tarts and Apple Jacks teamed up, hoping to deliver a retro mash-up of two Kellogg’s icons. The result? A sugar bomb of dry, crunchy cereal pieces that broke up the smooth Pop-Tart texture. “It’s like a cereal bar lost its way in a toaster,” a taster winced. The apple-cinnamon taste was gritty, not harmonious, and was meant to go into a bowl, not pastry. Green and orange sprinkles added St. Patrick’s Day panache, but appearance wasn’t enough to save the taste. Hard pass stays with the cereal.
3. Frosted Wild Berry
Frosted Wild Berry has attempted since 1995 to combine dried pears, apples, strawberries, and “natural wild berry flavor” in a berry blast. Instead, it tastes like a bowl of Fruit Loops in cake form. “They tossed all the berry fillings in a blender and wished for luck,” one of the tasters joked. The glamorous, David Bowie-inspired packaging lightning bolts and neon swirls come to mind is a visual showstopper, but the taste is absent of clear berry flavor. It’s more installation art than breakfast. Our opinion? Gawk at it, but don’t devour.
4. Frosted Strawberry Milkshake
First marketed in the 2000s and revamped in 2023, this flavor promised milkshake bliss in creamy form. Instead, it served up cloying, Pepto-Bismal-flavored nastiness that was closer to strawberry milk than diner treat. “It’s like a candy overdose,” one taster moaned, complaining of the marshmallowy finish. The pink frosting and rainbow sprinkles cried party time, but the filling’s sugary sweetness was anticlimactic. A strawberries-and-cream iteration might have been the ticket, but this one made us sick.
5. Unfrosted Brown Sugar Cinnamon
A 1964 original, this unfrosted favorite has the aroma of a fresh cinnamon bun, which raises expectations. But without the frosting, the cinnamon and brown sugar filling seems stuck in the anemic pastry. “It’s like eating spiced bread,” a taster complained, missing the sweet pop. The scent is heavenly, but the flavor doesn’t follow through. It’s a good choice for those skipping extra sugar, but it compares to its frosted cousin. Toast it well to bring out the flavor.
6. Frosted Brown Sugar Cinnamon
Reportedly Kellanova’s runner-up flavor, this frosted old-timer packs a powerful cinnamon-sugar punch. But it’s one-dimensional. “It’s like a Cinnabon store blew up,” a taster said, citing the overwhelming sweetness. The nude-colored glaze isn’t very visually appealing, and the taste is more festive than seasonal. It’s dependable but unthrilling. One taster recommended it with oatmeal for a breakfast spin. It’s tried and true, but newer varieties rob it of its glory.
7. Frosted Grape
A 1967 favorite, Frosted Grape came back in 2022 with “purple crunchies” and a devoted following. It’s unapologetically grape sweet and uncomplicated. But the taste, evoking childhood cough syrup, is one-dimensional. “It needs peanut butter to tone down the jamminess,” a taster speculated, remembering pairings of the past. It’s not terrible, just uncreative. Grape enthusiasts may appreciate it, but it doesn’t shout breakfast.
8. Unfrosted Blueberry
Bare of its frosted twin’s sweet glaze, Unfrosted Blueberry appears dull, with only a whisper of fruit visible through minuscule pastry holes. Toast it, however, and the jelly center glows with a warm blueberry flavor. “It’s like a hot Fruit Roll-Up,” a taster exclaimed, grinning. It’s not a flavor bomb, but it’s a good, less-sweet choice for fruit lovers. Uncomplicated and reliable, it demonstrates that the filling can hold its own.
9. Snickerdoodle
Debuting in 2022, Snickerdoodle captures the cookie’s warm vanilla-butter and cinnamon appeal. Ironically, the “frosted” designation is confusing no apparent icing, making the pastry somewhat crumbly. However, the filling’s tangy surprise is spot on for the snickerdoodle experience. “It’s like a cookie hug,” a taster smiled. A stronger cream-of-tartar kick could’ve elevated it higher, but this pastry-cookie cross is a sweet victory for dessert fans.
10. Frosted Raspberry
Since 1967, Frosted Raspberry has imparted a tangy, bold taste with dried raspberries, pears, and apples. The bright pink frosting cuts the zesty filling, producing a “cran-raspberry juice hot pocket,” in the words of one taster. It’s not as everyone’s cup of tea as strawberry, but its strong scent and puckering bite ensure it’s a berry fan’s heaven. It’s loud, proud, and immensely gratifying.
11. Frosted Chocolate Chip
Since 1978, this flavor has emulated a chocolate chip cookie filled with semisweet chips and milk chocolate swirls. It’s underfrosted for what it is but has a fine crunch. “It’s comfort food in a packet,” a taster described. Not the most luxurious of chocolate choices, it’s still a safe bet for cookie lovers wanting a speedy, retro bite.
12. Frosted Chocolate Fudge
A 1969 vintage, Frosted Chocolate Fudge is every cocoa enthusiast’s fantasy. Its luscious fudgy center and adequate frosting provide maximum chocolatey bliss. “It’s like a candy store burgled my toaster,” a taste tester swooned. Dip it in ice milk to cool the sweetness for ultimate euphoria. This one’s the heavy-duty choice for serious chocoholic pangs, morning or evening.
13. Unfrosted Strawberry
Even with a whisper of aroma, this unfrosted treat surprises with slow-developing strawberry jelly that’s “like melted Fruit Roll-Up magma,” a taster declared. It’s the winner among the unfrosted flavors, and a great filling can hold its own without frosting. Fans of frosting may be deprived, but this is a fruity, less-sweet victory for purists.
14. Frosted Pumpkin Pie
A seasonal icon since 2010, Frosted Pumpkin Pie embodies autumn in each bite. Molasses, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves meld into a tiny pumpkin pie, with caramel-hued filling and holiday red, yellow, and orange sugar sprinkles. “It’s Thanksgiving in a packet,” a sample smiled. Top with whipped cream for added indulgence. This limited-release treasure is well worth the search.
